Rochdale Hornets Unveil 2026 Championship Season Squad Numbers: A Blend of Youth and Experience
The Rochdale Hornets have released their squad numbers for the 2026 Championship season, with a mix of new signings and familiar faces taking the field. Gary Thornton's side is set to face the Halifax Panthers in their first pre-season friendly, and the team's lineup has been confirmed.
Seven new signings have been given starting squad numbers, including Jamie Dallimore and Jordan Paga, who join from the North Wales Crusaders and Swinton Lions, respectively. Dallimore will wear the six, and Paga the seven, taking on the half positions left by the retirement of Martyn Ridyard and the exit of Lewis Else. Junior Sa'u, a former Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils player, takes the number four shirt at 38 years old.
Ross Whitmore, who joined midway through the last season, and Jaden Dayes are the only members of the starting pack without new signings. Lewis Hatton, from Keighley Cougars, takes the 10, while Matty Unsworth, Ethan Wood, and Jordan Syme take 11, 12, and 13, respectively. Dylan Kelly-Duffy, a former Wigan Warriors youngster, takes the 17, and Jamie Pye, an ex-Salford man, has been handed the 23 jersey.
Max Flanagan replaces Gregg McNally at one, while Tom Ashton and Ben Will move up the squad list to claim three and five. Thornton expressed confidence in the team's depth, stating, 'With the squad we've assembled, I'm confident that there is real depth in every position, with a blend of youth and experience ready to challenge for a spot in our matchday 17.'
The squad numbers are as follows: 1. Max Flanagan, 2. Dan Nixon, 3. Tom Ashton, 4. Junior Sa'u, 5. Ben Will, 6. Jamie Dallimore, 7. Jordan Paga, 8. Jaden Dayes, 9. Ross Whitmore, 10. Lewis Hatton, 11. Matty Unsworth, 12. Ethan Wood, 13. Jordan Syme, 14. Morgan Punchard, 15. In loving memory of Freddie Lowe, 16. Jordan Andrade, 17. Dylan Kelly-Duffy, 18. Danny Lynch, 19. Luke Waterworth, 20. Joe Hickey, 21. TJ Boyd, 22. Jack Holmes, 23. Jamie Pye, 24. Ben Metcalfe.
Despite the numbers, Thornton emphasizes that it's the players' performance that matters, not the numbers on their backs. He encourages the team to work hard for a spot in the matchday 17, regardless of their jersey number. The Hornets are excited to see how their new combinations play out as they take a significant step towards the 2026 campaign.
